Daniel Yábar Interview - Skatepark builder

Interview with Daniel Yábar, Skatepark Architect. | by Sebastião Belfort Cerqueira

Daniel Yábar’s skatepark designs have drawn much attention, revealing an unusual sensitivity to textures, colours, and surrounding spaces. In this interview he lets us know how his architectural ethos has more to do with giving the people what they need than necessarily creating masterpieces.

I’ve had the chance to read about your process of becoming an architect and designing skateparks in other interviews you’ve done, but I haven’t found one where you tell the other side of that story, that is, how you became a skater. Where and when did you start?

I started skating in Logroño, the capital of the Spanish region of La Rioja. I think I started when I was thirteen, more or less, after seeing the movie Thrashin’ [1986] with my friends. We decided we should see if we could get some skateboards. I found this Sancheski orange cruiser and that was my first step. Then we always went to the only place around that seemed skateable at all, the Plaza del Espolón. It’s a square in the centre of Logroño, where people still go to skate today. We didn’t do anything, we just cruised. Not much later we saw a guy there doing an ollie, just going up a little step, just jumping and landing and we were like “wow!”

That was the beginning. Logroño is a small town but there was a big boom in skateboarding. Suddenly there were like three or four different crews of people skating on different routes. That meant like 50 or 60 people skating in Logroño. The city was pretty small so we hung out all over the city, I mean, we knew the city to the millimitre, we knew each spot, each little place... We’d go all around the city, to the industrial park, pretty much everywhere just finding places to skate.

So you had a little skate scene in Logroño, that’s pretty cool. When was that, like the late 80s?

I think I was thirteen so... I’d say around 91. But we were the first generation in Logroño that ever skated. People there didn’t understand it, they’d be like “what are you kids doing here with those things?” I’m still friends with some of the guys I started skating with and some of them haven’t stopped skating. I live in Madrid now, but when I go to Logroño to visit my parents I still get to hang out with them and with the new generations.

"We knew the city to the millimitre, we knew each spot, each little place...
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I know you began designing skateparks as a trade after spending some years in another architect’s studio. That was some years ago, how long have you had your own studio?

I finished college in 2004, I think, yeah I’m pretty sure. I spent four years in that studio in Bilbao. They did a lot of singular projects, like wineries, football stadiums, bullrings, etc. The head of the studio was an architect from Bilbao called Diego Garteiz and he knew I was a skateboarder so he told me that if I knew of any skate-related projects, any skateparks or anything, that he’d be open to work on them in the studio. I did three or four skateparks in the studio, but then I moved to Madrid, I’d say around 2008.

So you’ve been on your own for over ten years now. I was looking at your website and all the projects you have there are of skateparks or skate plazas – do you still do typical architect stuff, like houses and offices and so on?

Well... sometimes I get some different projects. I designed the offices for the football federation of La Rioja, I also did the project for a local medical centre in a small town near Logroño, but, I mean, when you go down the way of a certain specialization, you have to let go of some of the other stuff. In the beginning you try to work as much as you can, but now I’m more focused on skateparks. I don’t know how to express this idea of specialization better. I guess in architecture, when you know how to design skateparks or houses, it doesn’t mean that you know how to design hospitals or stuff like that. So nowadays if someone offered me a project for a house I’d probably have to refuse it or refer them to a friend.

Then that means that you can have your studio running on skatepark projects, that must be a cool feeling.

Well, most of the projects are about the skatepark, but many of them include compatible uses, landscaping, integration with city planning. Sometimes you design a skatepark but it has to include an outdoor gym or a fitness trail, sometimes it’s not just a skatepark but it has to be a bike park too, or a garden... but yeah, all things surrounding a skatepark.

Many architects who have their own firms will say they only do their kind of singular designs, and maybe ten years from now I’ll be able to say something like that, but right now I think the skaters have to come first.

Do you have a team working with you?

I work on my own. In Spain we have a saying that helps me explain this: quien mucho abarca poco aprieta. [Don’t bite off more than you can chew.]

Yeah, I guess we have a similar one in Portuguese. What about the building part, do you have anything to do with the people who end up building the parks you’ve designed?

It depends on the management model. Many times the owner, the council, whoever is in charge only wants the design to begin with. Then they organize a public tender and the builders have to submit their proposals. That’s the most common model in Spain. Sometimes they say “ok, we want it designed and built”, and so the architects and engineers collaborate with the builders and submit joint proposals to the same tender.

Looking at your portfolio, one could say you have both the more traditional kind of skatepark and then the ones that I understand have drawn more attention to your work, which are more integrated into the urban landscape. Which of your projects do you feel blends in better with its surroundings?

I think a good example would be the one in Santa Cruz, in La Granja. Maybe also the skateplaza in Logroño or the Santa Lucia skatepark, in Vitoria. But it’s not that big of a deal for me. I’m not prejudiced in favour of the unique design, integrated kind of skatepark nor the more traditional, sports facility-type ones. It depends on the goals of the project. If the skaters or the council are asking you for a functional skatepark, it’s very egocentric of you to say “no no no, I don’t do traditional, I only make singular designs”, like you want to be the architect-designer. If they’re asking you for a traditional skatepark with a simple and functional design, then that’s what you have to give them. Many architects who have their own firms will say they only do their kind of singular designs, and maybe ten years from now I’ll be able to say something like that, but right now I think the skaters have to come first.

Places like Macba or Love Park are huge, they’re massive. Five times larger than most skateparks. How can you compete with that?

I get it. Actually I was thinking that it must be rare to get the opportunity to turn a regular city square into a skateplaza. How does that happen? Did you ever have to convince the people from city council, were they looking for that in the first place?

At some point, as an architect, you have the obligation to give the best possible advice to the skaters and decision makers. As an architect and a skater I have to tell them what I think is best. Sometimes they’ll say “no, I know what I want, I want a traditional, concrete skatepark, with fences around it.” I may try to tell them that that’s not the way skateboarding and contemporary skateparks are going, but they have the final say. Sometimes the local skaters and the local authorities know about skateboarding and where it’s headed, so you don’t really have to give them much advice. It depends on the project.

I remember the case in Santiago de Compostela. The skaters were skating this plaza for years that is not exactly in the centre but still in a good part of the city, behind the Galician Parliament. They had conflicts with the neighbours and people walking around with their kids and everything, so city hall wanted to take them out of there, build them a standard skatepark outside the city. The local skaters’ association tried to fight to stay in the plaza but the council wasn’t having it so they had to arrive at a compromise. The plaza was in this big park, inside of which we managed to find another plaza with granite floor that was completely abandoned. We did a little street course with rails and stuff, so in the end they had the same granite surface to skate and although they weren’t in the original plaza, which was skatestopped, they only had to move like 15 metres away from it.

Do you think that in the near future there’ll be a bigger overall sensitivity towards the benefits of having skateparks in livelier parts of the city, instead of being confined to urban voids?

I think there’s already some awareness and some sensitivity, as you say. Not only on the side of the skateboarding communities but also with the decision makers. When you are dealing with these decision makers, you find a little bit of everything. You find some people who are really well-informed and really know what the people want and then you find others that have no idea what we’re talking about. I think there is more awareness and, as time goes on, people learn about these things, also because of the olympics. People in general are more interested in skateboarding now that they’ve heard that it’s going to be an olympic sport, so they’re trying to figure out what it’s all about, what the skateboarding communities are looking for in terms of facilities and everything. I feel in general there is more and more knowledge about what skateboarders need.

Well, one thing is for sure, I think your skatepark designs really help in bridging that gap. If I was going to meet with city council tomorrow to get a skatepark built I know I’d take some pictures of your designs to show them how architecturally and visually rich a skatepark can become.

[Laughs] Thank you.

Moving on, does it ever happen to you, when you’re just walking around a city, that you look at some place and you immediately think it would be a perfect spot to transform into a skatepark?

Yeah, sure. It happens to me but I’m sure it happens to all the skatepark designers. It comes with the profession. Still, many times you see a really cool spot in the street and then, when you want to bring it into a skatepark design, you realize that this spot needs a lot of space. Nowadays skatepark design is going through a standardization, where every distance between features is really measured and so on. So when you see a cool spot that you’d like to adapt, often you find out you need a lot more space than you have, and if you need more space that means you won’t have room for all the standard features, you know, the hubba, the eurogap, the manual pad... You might have to sacrifice your whole design just because you found an amazing spot in some street in some city... it’s not as easy as it seems.

For example, in the Santiago plaza I was telling you about I included a reproduction of a famous street spot, this handraill in Málaga. It’s like a long ramp, then you have three stairs and there’s a long rail alongside. So when you get to the three stairs you can slide the end of the rail. This spot is amazing, it’s near the sea, this long, blue rail. Lots of pros have skated it. The thing is the ramp is so long you really need space if you’re going to try to reproduce it. However, in this case, in Santiago, I was working with one stipulation: that the skateplaza would be pedestrian-friendly. In order to make it safe for pedestrians, I had to follow the Spanish accessibility laws. Of course that ramp in Málaga was built according to these norms, because it’s in a public street. That, plus the shape of the area we were working with, made it possible to reproduce the street spot.

skateparks by Daniel Yábar

I was wondering, if you could choose any place in any city, maybe even a famous skate spot like Love Park or Macba, to make a project for, which would it be?

Well... the ones you’ve said are some of the more internationally recognized... but for example, the Macba plaza... you’re talking about 5000 square metres. The average skatepark will have an area closer to 1000 square metres, so the plaza is like five times bigger. It’s really difficult. But actually once I had this idea for the main space in Macba, where you have the long ledge and the gap, just by the entrance to the museum. I thought it would be pretty cool if it were a symmetrical spot. Because you have the ledge on one side and it determines what tricks you can do whether you’re regular or goofy, so it would be great if you had the same ledge on the other side.

But anyway, places like Macba or Love Park are huge, they’re massive. Five times larger than most skateparks. How can you compete with that? Just that main area of Macba is 1000 square metres. If you design a whole skatepark with just a ledge, a gap, and a low-to-high... well, people want more stuff.

Speaking of wanting more stuff, I have to ask you if there’s anything that you’re working on that we can know about, maybe something going into construction or about to open to the public?

Right now I’m working on the design for a skatepark bowl, in Tenerife, near La Granja. The city organized an opinion poll and they asked me for two designs: one was a granite skateplaza, the other was a bowl. So they had this poll and the bowl won.

Actually, I find that a little unexpected. I mean, here in Portugal the tendency is always more towards street skating. I’m pretty sure the street course would win here.

In this case the bowl won but I think because in Tenerife you already have some good street plazas. And also because you have a lot of surfers, you get people there that are into surfing or longboarding and those guys will also get in the pool to skate. I guess it wasn’t just skaters, the surfers may have helped to tip the scale.

Very well. Would you like to add anything to wrap this up?

Well... I don’t know... maybe I’d just like to go back to that idea we were talking about: I really don’t feel that all skateparks need to be this special, singular design that blends in perfectly with the urban landscape, but I’m also not of the opinion that they should be a detached, enclosed sports facility kind of thing. Both options are ok if they serve the needs of that particular community. If you ask me, I’d say the direction skateboarding is taking leans more towards the integrated kind of skatepark that is a part of the city, that is built with the city. That’s the opinion I think most skateboarders have... but you need everything. The city needs everything: the sports facility for training and competitions and the olympics and Street League, but also the plaza in the town, integrated into the life of the city. The ideal would be to have everything.

Yeah, I guess that would be perfect. Thank you very much, Daniel.

Thank you.

By Sebastião Belfort Cerqueira

Wooden Skateparks vs Concrete Skateparks: Which are better?

Wooden Skateparks vs Concrete Skateparks: Which One is Better? Choosing between a wooden or concrete skatepark is one of the most important decisions when planning a new facility. Both materials offer unique advantages and challenges depending on the environment, budget, and intended use. Here's a detailed comparison to help guide the best choice for your project or community. Riding Experience Wooden skateparks are known for their smooth and responsive surfaces. They offer a slightly softer feel, making them great for beginner skaters. Many skaters find wood more forgiving underfoot, especially when learning new tricks. The quieter ride is also a plus in indoor or noise-sensitive areas. Concrete skateparks, on the other hand, provide a fast, stable surface ideal for flowing lines and transition skating. The consistent feel of concrete makes it a favorite among experienced skaters, especially those who enjoy bowls, banks, and street-style setups. Concrete is the go-to for permanent, sculpted terrain that encourages creative skating. Maintenance and Durability Wooden parks require frequent maintenance, particularly if they’re outdoors. Exposure to rain, sun, and temperature changes can cause wood to warp, crack, or rot, reducing the park’s lifespan. Regular resurfacing and inspection are necessary to ensure safety and performance. Indoors, however, wooden parks tend to last longer and maintain their quality better. Concrete parks are extremely durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Their weather-resistant nature makes them perfect for outdoor installations, and aside from occasional cleaning or minor repairs, they demand little upkeep over time. This makes concrete a solid long-term investment for public or high-traffic spaces. Cost When it comes to cost, wooden skateparks are generally less expensive to build. The installation process is quicker and simpler, which is helpful for temporary setups or when working with tight budgets. Wooden structures also allow for flexibility, as they can be moved, reconfigured, or replaced more easily. Concrete parks have a higher upfront cost due to the complexity of design, engineering, and materials. However, their long lifespan and minimal maintenance often result in a lower total cost of ownership over time, especially for municipalities or organizations planning a long-term facility. Aesthetics and Community Impact Wooden parks are often modular and functional, but they tend to stand out visually and may not integrate seamlessly into surrounding environments. They’re best suited for temporary locations, events, or indoor use where aesthetics are not the main focus. Concrete skateparks can be beautifully sculpted and integrated into natural landscapes or urban design. Many serve as architectural features or public art pieces that enhance the visual appeal of neighborhoods. These parks often become social and recreational hubs, increasing their value to the community beyond just skateboarding. Safety From a safety perspective, wooden parks offer softer landings, which can be beneficial for beginners and those practicing new tricks. However, if the wood becomes damaged—due to splinters, soft spots, or exposed screws—it can pose risks if not properly maintained. Concrete parks offer a consistent and reliable riding surface, but falls on concrete are harder and more painful. While the risk of injury may be slightly higher, many skaters prefer the consistency of concrete because it reduces unexpected hazards like loose parts or warped transitions. Conclusion Both wooden and concrete skateparks offer important benefits depending on the purpose and location. Wooden parks are perfect for indoor setups, events, and budget-conscious projects that require flexibility and mobility. Concrete parks are ideal for permanent public installations where durability, minimal maintenance, and creative design are priorities. At Trucks and Fins, we document and review every type of skatepark around the world. Whether it’s wood or concrete, indoor or outdoor, every park has its place in the skateboarding ecosystem. If you're planning a skatepark or just exploring new spots, visit TrucksandFins.com to find detailed information, photos, and reviews of thousands of parks worldwide.

Europe vs USA: Who Has More Skateparks?

A Tale of Two Continents on Four Wheels When people think about the heart of skateboarding, the United States usually takes the spotlight. From the iconic spots of California to the roots of modern street skating, the U.S. has played a huge role in shaping skate culture as we know it. But when it comes to numbers—how many places you can actually go skate—Europe quietly takes the lead. Let’s break it down. Size Matters (But Barely) At first glance, you might think the United States of America, has the upper hand just based on space. After all, it’s massive, right? Well, turns out Europe and the U.S. are nearly the same size. United States: 9.83 million square kilometers Europe: 10.18 million square kilometers That means Europe is just about 104,480 square kilometers larger—so, not a major difference in land area. Skatepark Numbers: Europe Pulls Ahead Now, here's where it gets interesting. Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in the USA: 3,740 Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in Europe: 9,831Yes, you read that right. Europe has over 2.5 times more skateparks and pump tracks than the United States. This includes everything from world-class concrete parks in places like Malmö (Sweden) or Barcelona (Spain) to modern asphalt pump tracks popping up across Germany, France, and Eastern Europe.People Per Park: The Real Density Battle Let’s bring population into the mix. How many people does each park serve on average? United States Population: ~332 million Europe Population: ~746 million Now let’s calculate: USA: 1 skatepark for every ~88,770 people Europe: 1 skatepark for every ~75,880 people Even though Europe has a significantly higher population, the number of parks keeps pace—and even beats the U.S. when it comes to accessibility. What Does This Mean? It flips the script a bit. While the U.S. may dominate skateboarding in terms of global influence, media, and history, Europe is quietly building a stronger physical infrastructure for the next generation of skaters. The sheer number of accessible spots, especially in smaller towns, makes Europe an underrated gem for skateboarding and pump track culture. In recent years, funding for public sports infrastructure in Europe has prioritized multi-use spaces like skateparks and pump tracks, especially in places like France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Local municipalities see the value not just in terms of sport, but community engagement and youth culture. The Bottom Line While the U.S. gave skateboarding to the world, Europe is giving it room to grow. If you’re a skater looking to travel, explore, or even relocate, Europe might be your new paradise. Whether you’re bombing hills in Lisbon, cruising pump tracks in the Alps, or skating DIY spots in Eastern Europe, the scene is alive and thriving.

Tui skatepark – stop #84 on our European skate tour

Tui Skatepark – A Hidden Spot with Good Vibes on Our Euro Tour Sometimes, the best sessions happen in the most unexpected places. On our way from Lisbon to Vigo, we stumbled upon Tui Skatepark, a small but scenic spot tucked away in the border town of Tui, Spain. Let’s be real—this isn’t the most high-end park you’ll ever skate. The setup is pretty basic, but it’s got just enough to keep you entertained. A couple of rails, ledge, manual pad, some small ramps, and a basic layout that makes for a solid session if you’re just looking to mess around and cruise. What really makes this place stand out, though, is the location—surrounded by nature, with fresh air and good vibes all around. Even though the park itself isn’t a must-skate destination, it’s the kind of spot that reminds you why skateboarding is all about the journey. No matter where you are, there’s always something to skate, and that’s what keeps the adventure rolling. Check out our latest video to see what went down at Tui Skatepark! 🚀🔥

Odivelas skatepark - European Skatepark Tour – EP 83

Exploring Odivelas Skatepark: A Classic Portuguese Skate Spot Reimagined Our journey across Europe's skateparks continues, and this time we’re stopping at one of Portugal’s most iconic skate destinations—Odivelas Skatepark. Known to locals as "Torre do Skatepark," this legendary spot has been a staple of the Portuguese skateboarding scene for decades. Located in Odivelas, Lisbon, this park holds a special place in the hearts of skaters, both for its historical significance and its impressive evolution. Originally built as one of Portugal's first major skateparks, Odivelas has long been a gathering place for skateboarders of all levels. In 2020, the park underwent a major renovation led by Wasteland Skateparks and Apark, the former Academia dos Patins, bringing a fresh, modern feel to its well-loved features while preserving its raw essence. The revamped Odivelas Skatepark now boasts a smooth concrete bowl integrated with a halfpipe, providing endless lines for transition skaters. The street section, though compact, is thoughtfully designed with ledges, banks, and rails, ensuring that every skater, regardless of style, finds something to enjoy. As part of our mission to document and explore skateparks across Europe, we couldn’t pass up the chance to experience Odivelas firsthand. In our latest video, we take you through the park, showcasing its unique features, the local skate scene, and the smooth flow that makes this place a must-visit. Join us as we dive into the world of Odivelas Skatepark. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or simply a fan of great skate spots, this video tour will give you an inside look at what makes this park so special.

Cantelowes Skatepark: A London Skateboarding Landmark

Origins in the 1980s and Early Popularity of Cantelowes Skatepark Cantelowes Skatepark, located in Cantelowes Gardens in Camden, north London, traces its roots back to the late 1980s. The original skatepark was a basic concrete facility built by the local council, and by 2007 it was about 20 years old. Despite its rough design (the concrete eventually cracked and the layout was considered rudimentary), the park quickly became a beloved spot for skaters from all over London. Throughout the 1990s, Cantelowes developed a reputation as a core skate spot. Local skateboard jams were common – skaters would gather for informal contests or just to session the park together. The original park’s simple banks and ramps still drew riders from across the city. Many notable UK skateboarders of the era paid visits to Cantelowes. For example, in the late 90s pro skater Scott Palmer famously landed a high kickflip-to-fakie on Cantelowes’ steep concrete bank. Fellow British pros like John Rattray and Paul Shier also pulled off memorable tricks on that same bank (including a lofty melon grab over the fence and a caballerial flip), further cementing the park’s place in local skate lore. Even earlier in the 90s, legendary UK photographer Skin Phillips shot Carl Shipman at Cantelowes for RAD magazine, an indication that the park was on the radar of the wider skateboarding media. In short, by the turn of the millennium Cantelowes Skatepark was considered a historic part of London’s skate scene – scrappy and aging, but important as a gathering place and proving ground for skaters. Community-Driven Redevelopment in 2007 By the mid-2000s, it was clear that Cantelowes Skatepark needed a major upgrade. Camden Council initiated a £1.5 million redevelopment of Cantelowes Gardens, which included replacing the aging skatepark. Rather than leave the design solely to hired contractors, a group of local skaters and BMXers – nicknamed the “Cantelocals” – became deeply involved in the project. Veteran skaters Matt Elms, Jeremy Donaldson, Hareth Pochee and others volunteered their professional skills (in architecture, engineering and construction) to help plan and oversee a “world-class” skatepark rebuild on their old stomping ground. The team secured funding (including a grant from Sport England) and collaborated with a skatepark contractor (Wheelscape) to make their vision a reality. Construction took place in 2006–2007, and the new concrete park was completed in spring 2007. A launch party in April 2007 celebrated the reopening, drawing a huge crowd of skaters and families to Cantelowes Gardens; the atmosphere was “brilliant,” with music and a sense of pride in the community-built facility. The rejuvenated Cantelowes Skatepark now featured modern, high-quality concrete obstacles and promised longevity that the old park lacked. Features and Evolution of the New Skatepark The 2007 reconstruction transformed Cantelowes into one of the premier skateparks in the UK. The design the Cantelocals came up with offers something for everyone – from beginners to seasoned pros. The centerpiece is a sprawling concrete bowl complex, often praised as one of the biggest and best outdoor bowls in Britain. This bowl has multiple sections of varying depth (including a deep end with pool-style coping and a unique “cradle” or clam-shaped over-vertical section), plus hips and roll-in entry points that let skaters flow through different lines. Wrapping around the bowl is an L-shaped street course, which incorporates flat banks, a large banked hip, ledges, manual pads, a rail and other street obstacles. This mix of terrain means the park caters to various styles – riders can carve the bowl, then hop out to hit street lines along the perimeter. The entire park is all concrete, providing a smooth, fast surface (a deliberate choice to avoid the bumpy tarmac and noisy metal ramps that plagued lesser skateparks). Cantelowes also remained free to use and open to BMX riders, inline skaters and scooters as well, keeping with its roots as a community youth facility. Over the years since reopening, minor additions and wear-and-tear have occurred (some ledges are a bit worn now), but overall the park’s layout remains as built in 2007. Importantly, Cantelowes Skatepark has continued to be a focal point for the skateboarding community – a place where young skaters hone their skills and veterans gather to skate for fun. Its combination of historic legacy and top-notch modern design makes it a must-visit spot. In fact, many describe it as “widely recognised as one of the biggest and best” skateparks in London, if not the entire country. Notable Events, Tricks, and Famous Visitors Throughout its history, Cantelowes Skatepark has hosted numerous events and attracted famous skaters, further underlining its importance in the skate community. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the park saw grassroots “jam” competitions organized by locals – sessions that often became legendary. After the renovation, Cantelowes gained international attention when Quiksilver selected it as the UK venue for their Bowlriders contest series in 2007. This meant that out of all parks in the country, Cantelowes was chosen to host the British qualifier for a Europe-wide bowl-riding championship. The inaugural Quiksilver Bowlriders event at the new Cantelowes was a highlight: top bowl skaters from around the UK (and some from abroad) shredded the new bowl in front of a crowd. Local up-and-comer Ben Raemers took first place in the UK finals held at Cantelowes in May 2007, securing his spot to represent Britain at the Bowlriders finals in Malmö, Sweden. This was a breakout moment for Raemers – who would go on to become a celebrated pro skater – and it firmly put Cantelowes on the map as a competition-grade park. The following year, Quiksilver Bowlriders returned to Cantelowes (May 2008) for another full day of “bowl orientated mayhem,” again drawing big names and solidifying the park’s reputation for hosting high-caliber events. Cantelowes’ iconic bowl has also been the stage for some remarkable tricks captured in skate videos and magazines. During the Quiksilver contests, for instance, renowned Spanish skater Javier Mendizábal wowed onlookers by pulling a frontside rock-and-roll on the bowl’s cradle – a challenging move on an over-vertical feature – which he later recalled as a standout memory. It was at that same event that Mendizábal met a young Ben Raemers for the first time, exemplifying how Cantelowes became a crossroads for international and local talent. Over the years, various skate videos and demo reels have included footage at Cantelowes, taking advantage of its mix of obstacles; even the National Lottery featured the skatepark in a commercial, highlighting it as a successful community project (some of the funding for the park came via lottery grants). Prominent UK pro skaters such as Lucien Clarke and Chewy Cannon have been spotted at Cantelowes during London skate tours, and the park is frequently visited by traveling skaters from around the globe who want to test out its famed bowl. In the 2010s, Cantelowes also became a favorite training ground for younger skaters – for example, in interviews, London youth skaters have cited Cantelowes as one of their favorite places to skate, noting the “massive” bowl and the camaraderie they find there. Importance to the Skateboarding Community Cantelowes Skatepark’s evolution from a humble 1980s local spot to a modern, world-class facility encapsulates a larger story of the UK skateboarding community. It stands as a testament to skaters taking initiative – the 2007 rebuild was community-driven, resulting in a park built by skaters, for skaters. This has made Cantelowes a source of pride in London’s skate scene. The park provides a free, outdoor space where generations of skaters have learned to drop in, refine their kickflips, or attempt their first airs in a bowl. Its location in Camden – long known for alternative culture and youth activities – further anchors skateboarding as part of the local community fabric. Cantelowes has hosted charity skate jams, lessons for kids (local skate coaches often use it for teaching), and it draws a diverse crowd of riders. As one North London skate club described it, Cantelowes offers “a lot to offer both beginners and the more experienced skater,” creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. In terms of legacy, Cantelowes is frequently mentioned alongside other historic London skate spots like South Bank and Harrow. However, unlike some spots that have faced threats of closure or redevelopment, Cantelowes benefited from proactive investment and continues to thrive. Its successful renovation has even served as a model for other communities – showing how involving local skaters can result in facilities that truly meet the needs of the scene. Today, Cantelowes Skatepark is both a high-quality skate destination and a living piece of London skateboarding history. From the days of cracked concrete and DIY contests in the 90s, to hosting pro competitions and video shoots in the 2000s, and now anchoring a new generation of skaters, Cantelowes has continually evolved while maintaining its core spirit. In the words of one skater involved in its rebuild, there has always been “a lot of excitement about this in the skateboarding world”– a sentiment that remains true as Cantelowes Skatepark carries its legacy forward.Visist Cantelowes skatepark on skate map

Stockwell Skatepark: London's Iconic OG Concrete Playground

Stockwell Skatepark: The OG Brixton Bowls Spot If you’ve ever skated London, you probably already know about Stockwell Skatepark—aka Brixton Bowls or Brixton Beach. This legendary spot has been holding it down since 1978, making it one of the oldest skateparks in the UK. It’s a pure concrete paradise, no nonsense, just raw flow, speed, and a legacy of skaters carving lines here for decades. The Setup Stockwell isn’t your standard skatepark with ledges, rails, and perfect transitions. Instead, it’s an organic, free-flowing landscape designed by Lorne Edwards, the same dude who built the first UK skatepark in Portland, Dorset. The park has a huge snake run, tons of bumps, and a new bowled corner with coping, making it a dream for transition skaters. The fresh quarter pipe along the northern wall adds even more ways to keep your lines going. The Vibes The scene at Stockwell is as iconic as the park itself. BMXers, bladers, and skaters of all generations keep the energy high. Whether you're a local or just rolling through, there's always someone throwing down lines or just chilling with a beer, soaking up the Brixton sun. The place is fully free and open 24/7, so whether you’re an early morning cruiser or a night shredder, Stockwell is always ready. The Revamp Stockwell has seen some love over the years, and in 2022, it got a massive £500,000 refurb. Lambeth Council teamed up with Friends of Stockwell Skatepark and Betongpark to refresh the surface, enhance the flow, and add some much-needed updates while keeping the original charm. They brought back the red concrete, giving a nod to its 90s and 2000s golden era, and even installed a plaque dedicated to Lorne Edwards and another for BMX legend Charlie Reynolds. How to Get There Stockwell Skatepark is super easy to find, sitting right on Stockwell Road (SW9 9TN). If you’re coming by tube, Brixton Station (Victoria Line) is just a short push away, and tons of buses (2, 196, 322, 333, 345, N2) drop you close by. Why You Gotta Hit It This is one of those parks that never gets old. It’s not about perfect tricks or playing skatepark chess—Stockwell is all about speed, flow, and creativity. The lines are endless, the history is deep, and the locals keep it real. If you love skating, you owe it to yourself to carve a few laps at Brixton Bowls. Keep the legacy rolling!Visit Stockwell skatepark on skate map

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